“It’s that 1 percent you have, to hope and keep praying that you’ll heal as quick as possible, but at the same time you cannot push it. If you push it you and you make a mistake, instead of pitching this year you won’t pitch again. I have to be wise and make sure I do the right thing,” Rivera told the New York Daily News.

Mariano Rivera injury update: Despite encouraging words on his injury rehab, don't expect to see him pitch again in 2012. (AP Photo)

Rivera, 42, tore the ACL in his right knee while shagging balls in the outfield before a game in Kansas City in early May. He had surgery in mid-June and was believed to be lost for the season.

However, rumors of a possible September return began to spread when one of his doctors told the New York Post in early July that Rivera was making such encouraging progress and working so hard that he wouldn’t be surprised if the all-time saves leader defied the odds and pitched again late this season.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman quickly downplayed the chances of that happening and has continued to proclaim that Rivera will not pitch this season.

Before the injury, there was growing speculation that this season would be Rivera’s last. But he reiterated Friday that he plans to return next season.

“Definitely. I’m definitely trying to get in shape as quick as possible,” he told the Daily News. “I’m not rushing it to be able to pitch this year.”

In his 18-season major league career, Rivera, a 12-time All-Star, is 76-58 with a 2.21 ERA and 608 saves.